New mental health support service launches in West Sussex, bringing in new partners to offer joined-up service through a single point of access
A new community mental health support service has launched in West Sussex, providing free mental health and wellbeing support to people across the county.
Commissioned by NHS Sussex, Pathfinder West Sussex launched on December 1 and is being led by BHT Sussex, working in partnership with West Sussex Mind.
The new contract replaces the previous Pathfinder Alliance arrangements for the county, bringing on board new partners from the homelessness sector and offering comprehensive, co-produced community mental health support for anyone aged over 18.
Rachael Kenny, director of mental health support services at BHT Sussex, said: "We’re pleased to be leading the next phase of Pathfinder alongside excellent partners who share our values around co-production, accessibility and community-led care.
"The new West Sussex Pathfinder service puts lived experience front and centre and we’re proud to support a model that will listen, adapt and evolve with the people it serves.
"The service is built around a 'no wrong door' approach — meaning wherever you reach out, you’ll be guided to the right support. Whether it’s advice, community help, or clinical care, we’re here for you.”
Pathfinder West Sussex offers adults a range of support, including a single helpline, one-to-one and group support sessions, peer support, community activities, physical health interventions, homelessness support and employment support.
The service brings together a number of trusted organisations from across the county to provide integrated support, working closely with the local NHS and GP surgeries to make it easier to get information, find support or get specialist advice.
Kerrin Page, chief executive at West Sussex Mind, said: “We’re excited to launch this new chapter for Pathfinder West Sussex, bringing together trusted local organisations to improve the wellbeing of people across the county and help people get the right support when they need it.
“We want to ensure that there is no wrong ‘front door’ to mental health support and that everyone in our community can be guided to the support that's right for them, regardless of where they reach out for help.”
Pathfinder will be able to ‘step people up’ for clinical care with NHS services, if required, and when discharged from NHS care, people will be able to find support in the community.
The idea is that people get ongoing support and learn more about managing their mental health, recognising that people’s mental health can fluctuate over time.
BHT Sussex has worked closely with West Sussex communities for more than a decade as part of the Pathfinder Alliance and will be using this experience to develop the service, expanding the already-established Community Peer Mentor offer and with a Lived Experience Advisory Group taking a central role in shaping and reviewing the service.
As part of Neighbourhood Mental Health Teams, BHT Sussex will be working alongside NHS clinical services, as well as delivery partners West Sussex Mind, Capital, Southdown, Crawley Open House, Turning Tides and Stonepillow. As well as improving access to community mental health care, the partnership will be increasing the number of physical health screenings available for those with mental illness.